The rest of the day was rather static.
You finished about five houses for the mice but nothing exciting happened. Tomorrow you plan on doing something with the populace. You don't need to hire them any scavengers considering they got enough food. Any micen not doing any work isn't going to have a sit in the lap of luxury. The micen agree but can't think of what could possibly think of a new job. In the end the day went by and you laid your head down on your pillow and fell fast asleep.
"Solace. Solace?"
You peep open your eye, blinded by sleep. A micen stood there patiently on your bed. Not only is she on your bed but she woke you up. You growl and get on your elbows. Your head hovered over the mouse, close enough to bite it. Surprisingly, it stood its ground. You blinked and your vision came back. It was your friend, "Gertrude? You know better than to wake me up."
"My apologies, Solace." The dark brown mouse had its hands folded behind its back, showing it had nothing to hide. "But I have some important news."
"Couldn't it have waited?"
"You'll understand why that's not possible. First, a few micen didn't agree with the punishment for breaking the rules. Death seems to be a bit too.."
"How many?" you groan.
"Only two. A white one, and a red one."
"I'll have a talk with the other micen. What else?" You drowsily rest your head on the pillow.
"A group of micen have arrived. They say they represent their colonies and wish to talk to-"
"They can wait." The clock says it's six o'clock, don't these micen know what sleep is? You roll over and shoo Gertrude away.
She was silent for a moment before speaking up again. "Jason is among them."
Your ears prick at that name. You turn your head, "Alright, I'll go.". You stalk sleepily to the dresser and put on a pair of clothes. You aren't expecting any leonas over today, so there isn't any real reason to wear clothes, however, even if your fur covers everything you might as well make yourself look presentable. You put Gertrude in your palm as she points the way to the coffee table. There three other micen stood.
One was a dark grey male, another was a white female and the last was a familiar face. Jason. You sat down, the sleep escaped you. "What's this about?" you inquiry.
"Good morning miss Solace." Jason bowed, the others followed the action. "I apologize for the inconvenience of waking you early but the headmasters can only hold their breath for so long. Let me introduce ourselves. You remember me, Jason of Niarb."
"How come you never visit me anymore?" you ask him politely.
"Work, of all things." He continued. "This is Yidde of Toor." the white one dipped her head. "And this is Maverick of Granrus." The last one dipped his head. "We have questions we wish to ask."
"Ask"
"What is your colonies name?" Maverick asked.
You never thought about it. You remember a street outside your apartments and answer "Desio."
"They nod. "Is there any way we can negotiate with Desio?"
"Negotiate?" For some reason, they're getting on your nerves. They speak as if they are talking to a computer, being articulate and specific with their words. This isn't the Jason you remember. Maybe they're just scared? This is their first time 'negotiating' with someone of your stature. But what could they possibly want that they haven't already tried to steal?
"Nobody in Niarb has a wooden house." Jason replied. "Is there a way we can ascertain better resources? Such as trading?"
"What on earth do you have that I don't own?" you remark. They couldn't answer. "Is there anything else you'd like to ask?"
"Will you negotiate an alliance?" Yidde asked.
"An alliance?"
"My master gave me a letter." She held out her hand, expecting you to take the speck of paper.
A neutral look crawled on your face. Does she expect you to see the microscopic scribbles? "You can see the dilemma I'm currently having. Do you mind reading that letter to me?"
She opened the letter and began to read. "Dear Solace, We wish to offer our help whenever needed if the same is provided for us. Through times thick and thin we hope we can benefit each other. You need not accept but feel free to-" She choked. Yidde stared at the paper with disbelief before hiding it behind her back.
"What did it say?" you narrowed your eyes.
Gertrude grabbed the micens arm and read the letter. "feel free to take this mouse as tribute to help persuade your mind."
"Please don't!"
"Why on earth would they do that? Have you committed a crime?" Maverick asked
"No I-I... I may have injured a fellow micen, very badly." She tried to pry Gertrude off her, but she isn't a match for her strength."But does that mean I deserve to die?"
"What do you think, Jason?"
He hesitated. "It sounds like a test. If you don't take the tribute they might think that you reject the alliance offer. That's plenty of reason to declare war or refuse to listen to you. As much as I'm against it; you should do it."
That's a green light.
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